Al-Arabi hopes to end the season on a high in the Amir Cup semifinal
The two sides have faced each other three times this season in the Zain Premier League, with Al-Arabi holding the edge, winning twice (3-1 and 3-2) and drawing once (1-1). Despite the familiarity between the teams, tonight's knockout encounter promises a fresh intensity with a spot in the final on the line.
Neither team had an easy journey to the semifinal stage, despite facing clubs from the Zain First Division League. Al-Arabi was pushed to the limit in the preliminary round by Al-Sulaibikhat, eventually advancing via penalty shootout (4-3) after a 2-2 draw in regular time. It then edged past Al-Jahra 2-1 in the quarterfinals.
Al-Salmiya also struggled early on, narrowly beating Sahel—the bottom team in the First Division—2-1 in its opening match before overcoming Al-Nasr 3-1 to secure the semifinal berth.
Under head coach Nasser Al-Shatti, Al-Arabi enters the semifinal determined to salvage its season after missing out on both the league title and the Crown Prince Cup. The Greens are eager to cap the campaign with silverware and see the Amir Cup as its final shot.
Al-Shatti will rely on a talented squad led by standout players such as Bahraini international Kamil Al-Aswad, Nigerian striker Emmanuel Iwala, and a strong supporting cast including Ali Khalaf, Hassan Hamdan, Jumaa Aboud, Soufiane Bouchar, Hamza Khaba, Bandar Al-Salama, Hamad Al-Qallaf, Ali Aziz, and Hussein Ashkanani.
Al-Salmiya, led by Croatian coach Ante Miša, is looking to reach the final after falling just short last season against Al-Qadsiya. Having been outperformed by Al-Arabi in their league meetings this year, the Sky Blues are motivated to turn the tables in the Amir Cup.
Miša will count on a balanced lineup featuring key players such as Fawaz Ayed, Alex Lima, Amr Midani, Mahdi Dashti, Mohammed Al-Huwaidi, Al-Sanousi Al-Hadi, Sang Pierre, Moaz Al-Aseema, Emad Al-Lawati, and Issa Walid.
With both teams hungry for success and redemption, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle as the Amir Cup nears its dramatic conclusion.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
3 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Another record for Kuwaiti swimmer as he wins gold in Jordan
Another record for Kuwaiti swimmer as he wins gold in Jordan AMMAN: Kuwaiti swimmer Rashid Al-Tarmoom won first place on Saturday in the 50-meter breaststroke race, during the Open Swimming Championship held in Jordan. Qadsiya and Kuwait national team swimmer Al-Tarmoom claimed the gold medal after setting a new Kuwaiti record in the 50-meter breaststroke event with 00:28:21 seconds. The race, which began Friday and continues through Tuesday, features swimmers representing various Arab countries. General Manager of the Water Games at Qadsiya Club Faisal Abu Al-Hassan described Al-Tarmoom's outstanding performance as a new achievement for the sport in Kuwait. Al-Hassan expressed hope for continued victories to raise the name of Kuwait high in various international events, affirming support for athletes to achieve further accomplishments. Al-Tarmoom has recently won the silver medal of the 50-meter breaststroke race at the Swiss World Open Championship. — KUNA
Arab Times
6 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kazma welcomes 25 players in the opening session
KUWAIT CITY, July 20: Kazma SC has officially kicked off its preseason training in preparation for the upcoming football season. The first session took place on the club's secondary field under the guidance of Croatian head coach Dragan Tadić. The club has scheduled its external training camp in Turkey to begin on August 14, during which the team will play several friendly matches to prepare for the start of the Zain Premier League. A total of 25 players participated in the initial session, including Jordanian professionals Anas Al-Awadat and Yousef Abu Al-Jazar, as well as new local signings Sultan Al-Enezi and Khalifa Rahil. Jordanian midfielder Ali Al-Azaizeh is expected to join the squad in training today, while Beninese professional Samson Enekol will link up with the team during the Turkey camp. The club is also close to finalizing deals with additional foreign players and is currently negotiating with an African player to join for the new season. Kazma has further reinforced its squad with key additions, most notably Olympic team player Bandar Al-Barazi, who joined from Al-Nasr Club. The team also secured contract renewals with defender Bader Dhikrallah and striker Mishaal Al-Shammari for an additional season. Before traveling to Turkey, Kazma is expected to play several local friendly matches as part of its preseason buildup. In organizational news, the club confirmed the structure of its football, technical, and administrative staff for the first team. Club treasurer Omar Al-Mulla will continue as head of the football staff, with Khaled Al-Dhiyab serving as assistant to the club president. Mohammed Al-Harees has been appointed team manager, while Nawaf Al-Humaidan will serve as team administrator.
Arab Times
6 hours ago
- Arab Times
Al-Tarmoom clinches 50m breaststroke gold with new Kuwaiti record in Jordan
AMMAN, July 20(KUNA): Kuwaiti swimmer Rashid Al-Tarmoom, representing Qadsiya Sporting Club and the national team, clinched first place in the 50-meter breaststroke at the Open Swimming Championship held in Jordan. Al-Tarmoom secured the gold medal after setting a new Kuwaiti national record with a time of 28.21 seconds. The championship, which began yesterday, runs until the 22nd of this month and features swimmers from across the Arab world. Faisal Abu Al-Hassan, General Manager of Water Sports at Qadsiya Club, told KUNA that Al-Tarmoom's exceptional performance marks another milestone for Kuwaiti swimming. He expressed optimism for continued achievements that will elevate Kuwait's name on the international stage, reaffirming the club's commitment to supporting its athletes. Al-Hassan also noted that Al-Tarmoom recently won a silver medal in the same event at the Swiss World Open Championship.
